'Extended recall' of chicken products from Limerick stores due to Salmonella fears

CONSUMERS in Limerick are being advised the Food Safety Authority of Ireland has ordered the "extended" recall of a a range of raw chicken products due to the possible presence of salmonella.

The products, which are being recalled by processor Western Brand, were on sale in Aldi, Lidl, Dunnes Stores and Tesco stores in Limerick and across the country.

Other products, which are also being recalled, were sold under BWG's Glenmor brand.

According to the FSAI, the affected products include chicken fillets, mini fillets and small chickens and have best before dates ranging from February 5 to February 7.

Stores have been directed to remove the products from shelves while consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batches if they have already purchased them.

"Consumers are advised not to eat the implicated batches. If the chicken has already been consumed, cooking should remove the risk. Raw chicken should always be handled hygienically when defrosting and preparing it, and also cooked thoroughly before eating it," states a notice issued this Friday evening.

Holy Communion preparation to end in Limerick schools to be divested

People infected with Salmonella typically develop symptoms between 12 and 36 hours after infection, but this can range between 6 and 72 hours.

The most common symptom is diarrhoea, which can sometimes be bloody.  Other symptoms may include fever, headache and abdominal cramps. The illness usually lasts 4 to 7 days.

Diarrhoea can occasionally be severe enough to require hospital admission. The elderly, infants, and those with impaired immune systems are more likely to have a severe illness.